ŠTEFAN FÜLE - um.edu.mt · that the Tunisia case study has provided clear evidence that democracy...

Autumn 2012 / No. 15 MEDAC Newsletter 1

Address by Commissioner Štefan Füle ... 1

Human Rights Seminar on Democratic Transitions ..................... 2

Book Launch by MEDAC / Euromed Conference ....................... 3

Address by Tunisian Foreign Minister .... 4

Public Lecture by Prof. Dr. Norbert Lammert / The Protocol of the GFO ..... 5

Annual Study Visit by MEDAC students to Geneva and Berne ....................... 6

MEDAC Alumni Association ................. 7

MEDAC Lecturers at the Vienna Diplomatic Academy / List of 2012-2013 MEDAC Students ................ 8

Calendar ...................................... 9

Alumni News / MEDAC Annual Dinner ... 10

Visit of Ambassador Bernardino Regazzoni to MEDAC ....................... 12

Contents

country’s situation is different and it is important that one remember this. Building democracy takes time and patience. The EU is going through many efforts to support civil society in the Arab countries. There is the more-for-more principle which is an innovation to the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). Many in Europe are viewing developments in the MENA region with suspicion due to the emergence of the Islamists. Commissioner Füle stated his disappointment with this attitude of impatience. Transformation takes time. It would be a huge political error for the EU not to take the chance to try

Address by Commissioner ŠTEFAN FÜLE

At the start of the 2012-2013 academic year MEDAC had the privilege of hosting European Union

Commissioner for Enlargement and the Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle who delivered a keynote address to MEDAC’s students. During his address the EU Commissioner highlighted the fact that the Mediterranean region is experiencing profound historical changes. The MENA region in particular is going through changes to which the European Union (EU) has sought to respond adequately in order to be able to support democratic transitions and economic reforms.

The EU Commissioner stipulated that it is clear that tensions between forces of change and the forces of resistance are still unresolved. In Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, there have been improvements in terms of democracy and respect of fundamental freedoms. While the EU has to be prepared to deal with the emergence of political parties espousing political Islam, the political Islamists have to also be able to accept and play by the rules of democracy. In Libya and Algeria, political disenchantment is still there, even after the elections. In Syria, there is a violent civil war going on accompanied by a humanitarian crisis which is affecting Syria’s neighbours in the Middle East. In Yemen, there has been a more managed transition. The monarchies of the Arabian Peninsula have bought stability, but how long will this last?

The Arab uprisings have forced the EU to press the reset button. Each

5th October, 2012

to promote and enhance democracy across the Southern shores of the Mediterranean. In the short term focus needs to concentrate on three important objectives: deepening democracy and the rule of law, enhancing inclusive economic development, and developing relations with civil societies.

Top left: Prof. Stephen Calleya welcoming Commissioner Štefan Füle to MEDAC.Above: Commissioner Štefan Füle signing the MEDAC Guestbook.

(Continues overleaf)

2 MEDAC Newsletter No. 15 / Autumn 2012

16th March, 2012

HUMAN RIGHTS SEMINAR on

DEMOCRATIC TRANSITIONS

Perspectives and Case Studies

On the 16th March 2012, MEDAC students attended a Human Rights

seminar under the theme of ‘Democratic Transitions. Perspectives and Case Studies’.

Dr. Colm Regan opened the seminar with a presentation entitled ‘Educating for a Better World’. Regan addressed issues relating to democratization. He also referred to the importance of the role of civil society in democratic transitions. Prof. Tom Lodge gave a presentation entitled ‘From Apartheid to Democracy: South Africa’ and made a comparison between post-apartheid South Africa and the changes in the Arab countries. He argued that structural developments in South Africa and North Africa are similar.

Prof. Bechir Chourou followed with a presentation entitled ‘Tunisia after the Revolution’ during which he gave his personal insight. He argued that the state

of affairs in Tunisia was still fluid with economic, political and social challenges to face after the overthrow of the dictatorship.

Dr. Nick Hopkinson compared the collapse of the USSR with the Arab uprisings and pointed at similarities between the two cases such as the regimes’ failure to tackle the people’s needs and the willingness of the citizens to put an end

to the regimes. He highlighted the EU’s limited role in the Mediterranean, unlike in Eastern Europe two decades ago.

Right: MEDAC publication on Democratic Transitions.Below: Opening of the Human Rights Seminar.

The new MENA governments have to deal with the high expectations of their publics. In this endeavour, the EU is giving substantial support such as new grants from the EU SPRING programme and increased lending from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The EU is also pursuing further integration with the southern shores of the Mediterranean by extending access to the EU single market through Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTA). Commissioner Füle noted that this exercise should not become too much of a technical exercise, and that its political dimension should be better explained. DCFTAs are important because they allow MENA countries to take on the EU regulatory and technical ‘acquis’, and hence boost their own reforms and attraction towards investors.

Commissioner Füle also cited improving the mobility of people as another important pillar of future Euro-Mediterranean relations. Progress is being registered in this regard between the EU and Tunisia as well as with Morocco, in the context of negotiations of Mobility partnerships. Issues such as visa facilitation, legal and

irregular migration as well as border management, are being tackled in the context of mobility partnerships.

Regarding deep and sustainable democracy, the EU believes that civil society is crucial in democratic transitions in the countries of the southern Mediterranean. The EU created a new civil society capacity, the Civil Society Neighbourhood Facility Fund, to work on this initiative and is devoting many resources to this purpose. The EU has allocated more funding towards those countries in the Mediterranean that are prepared to implement an agenda that fosters the promotion of democracy.

Referring to regional cooperation, EU Commissioner Füle stated that in 2012 the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) has been focusing on implementing concrete projects in the Mediterranean. In 2013, the focus will be on resuming the Sectorial Ministerial Dialogues in order to steer the technical work of the UfM. This is clear evidence that some results are also starting to be achieved at this level. In parallel, the EU is supportive of enhancing synergy with other regional initiatives such as the 5+5 and the Arab Maghreb Union. There is huge potential for more cooperation between the EU

Top from left: Prof. Stephen Calleya, Dr. Monika Wohlfeld and Commissioner Štefan Füle.Bottom: Prof. Stephen Calleya introducing Commissioner Štefan Füle to MEDAC students.

Address by Commissioner ŠTEFAN FÜLEand these entities. Commissioner Füle stated that it is in the EU’s interest that regional cooperation increases.

In his concluding remarks, Commissioner Füle stated that the Mediterranean region is a region of common heritage and rich diversity. He reiterated that everything must be done to avoid that the gap between the northern and southern shores continues to widen.

(Continues from Page 1)


EURO-MED Conference discusses

POLITICAL CHANGE in the Mediterranean

MEDAC BOOK LAUNCHChange and Opportunities in the Emerging Mediterranean

11th – 14th May, 2012

25th April, 2012

Below from left: Dr. Tonio Borg, Prof. Stephen Calleya, Dr. Samir Radwan, Prof. Anthony Jones.

Below from left: Dr. Omar Grech, Mr. Mourad Youssry, Prof. David Attard, Prof. Stephen Calleya, Dr. Monika Wohlfeld and Dr. Derek Lutterbeck.

MEDAC recently launched a new book entitled Change and Opportunities in

the Emerging Mediterranean, co-edited by Prof. Stephen Calleya and Dr. Monika Wohlfeld, reinforces MEDAC’s aim of promoting dialogue and co-operation in the Mediterranean. The book launch was held under the auspices of the Chancellor of the University, Prof. David Attard, on the 25th of April 2012.

Professor Attard described the book as a valuable academic contribution in line with the high standards of the Academy. Director of MEDAC Professor Calleya outlined the historic transformations taking place in the Southern Mediterranean region. He described the book as “an important contribution to both the policy-making debate and academic discourse on the way forward in the Euro-Mediterranean region”. Co-editor Dr. Wohlfeld explained how the over 20 contributors to the book seek to address the changes resulting from the Arab Spring, choosing to focus on change and opportunities rather than threats or problems. Dr. Lutterbeck analyses the role of the armed forces in the Arab Uprisings in the book and discussed how military forces were key in deciding the outcome of the revolutions. Dr. Grech’s contribution deals with human rights and

democracy in North Africa. He stressed that human rights should be central in the construction of a new state, providing inclusiveness to marginalized groups.

Guest speaker from Eygpt Mr. Mourad Youssry, MEDAC alumnus and currently Deputy to the Secretary General at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, provided an overview of the current political situation in Egypt as a means of highlighting the significance

The Euro-Mediterranean Information and Training Seminar took place in

Malta between Friday 11th and Monday 14th May. The focus at this seminar, now in its 37th edition, was on perspectives and prospects for political change in the Mediterranean. 19 nationalities were represented through their young diplomats including Algeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lebanon, Tunisia and Croatia. The line-up of academics, specialists and other professionals included Professor Anthony Jones of Harvard University, Dr. Samir Radwan, former Minister of Finance of Egypt, Mr. Dan O’Brien, senior Editor at the Irish Times, Dublin and Professor Zafiris Tzannatos, the senior Regional Advisor for the Arab States at the International Labour Organization.

The seminar, partly financed by the European Union also hosted a number

of Director Generals of Diplomatic Institutes in the Arab world. The keynote welcome address which related to Malta’s Foreign Policy Agenda in a changing Mediterranean was delivered by Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Tonio Borg. Participants also joined a simulation

exercise on contemporary relations in the Mediterranean conducted by Professor Simon Duke from the European Institute of Public Administration at the University of Maastricht, Amsterdam.

of the book and placing into context the various topics which make up the book.

Change and Opportunities in the Emerging Mediterranean can be accessed free of charge at http://www.um.edu.mt/medac/publications.


Address by Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs,

H.E. DR. RAFIK ABDESSALEM 5th October, 2012

priority when it comes to mapping out the future direction of the country.

The Constituent Assembly is currently working on the drafting of a Constitution. There has been a lively debate on what form the Constitution should take, whether it should be an Islamist-oriented or a secular-oriented Constitution. At the end of the day a consensus emerged that identifies Tunisia as a republican, Arab state where the majority of the population is Muslim.

The Foreign Minister of Tunisia stated that the Tunisia case study has provided clear evidence that democracy allows for the possibility of overlapping consensus

when it comes to accommodating different points of view on issues. Nevertheless, Dr. Abdessalem also reiterated that a major challenge that needs to be addressed is that of drawing a line between what is acceptable under the so-called concept of freedom and what is not acceptable when one verges on situations that will result in anarchy. At this current moment in the Mediterranean this is an important reality that has to be dealt with, including in Tunisia, if a new era of peace, prosperity and democracy is to be achievable.

Top: Tunisian Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Rafik Abdessalem with Prof. Stephen Calleya.Bottom: Dr. Abdessalem with Tunisian students.

MEDAC had the privilege of hosting H.E. Dr. Rafik Abdessalem, Foreign

Minister of Tunisia who addressed MEDAC’s students and engaged in a question and answer session. During his keynote address to the students Dr. Rafik Abdessalem, highlighted clearly how events in Tunisia at the start of 2011 have triggered a major transformation in international relations across the Mediterranean. The previous era of political and economic status quo has been superseded by a fundamental process of change towards a more transparent and accountable political and economic system of governance.

An evaluation of the Arab Spring to date provides us with clear evidence about the interdependence that exists between the countries of the Arab world. The fact that revolutions and the desire for reform spread so quickly throughout the Middle East debunked the often cited Western myth that democracy does not apply to the Arab world. Despite the clear challenges that implementing a democracy promotion strategy presents, it is clear that this is what the majority of the peoples of the southern shores of the Mediterranean desire. The Foreign Minister however stressed that it is also clear that transformation is a difficult process which will take time and patience. The true meaning of revolution is to remove the foundations of the old order and replace them with foundations for democracy.

Before the Arab Spring, stability along the southern shore of the Mediterranean world was just a façade. If the current process of transformation is to be successful and stability become a sustainable goal, the principal characteristics of democracy including political participation have to be introduced and become functioning. The Foreign Minister also pointed out that the new Constitution will continue to protect and promote women’s rights; a sphere in which Tunisia has been a leader amongst Arab countries. After the revolutions of 2011 the people of the MENA countries have high expectations that include a better quality of life and higher standards of living. Tunisia is a country that is facing such challenges. The 23rd of October 2011 was an important milestone in Tunisia’s history since this was the date of the first free and fair democratic elections in Tunisia. So far, Islamists and moderates in Tunisia have been working together despite their differences. There is a consensus that ideology is not the


Above: Ambassador of the German Federal Republic to Malta, H. E. Dr. Hubert Leo Joachim Ziegler.

On the 23rd of April 2012, the German Ambassador to Malta, H.E. Dr. Ziegler

gave a presentation about the central role that protocol plays in the diplomatic field. The main aim of Ambassador Ziegler´s presentation was to share his professional experience and give advice to MEDAC students, who are junior and prospective diplomats.

Being assigned as Chief of Protocol for the ‘702’ Department at the German Foreign Affairs, which is responsible for all Multilateral International Conferences, events and summit meetings meant that he was the man behind all the major events taking place both in his home country and abroad. In this role, he had to oversee the smooth running of all the official visits by the Chancellor, President and Foreign Minister of Germany, often accompanying them on their visits abroad and ensuring that all minute details were in place.

The Ambassador reported on challenges

23rd April, 2012

23rd April, 2012

that a protocol officer is confronted with when planning multilateral international events. He acknowledged that it was especially challenging when an event was taking place in a foreign country and when organizing emergency meetings and events. The Ambassador highlighted that it was crucial to have excellent relations with the liaison officers from each delegation, acting as contact points and coordinators. Apart from the normal logistics, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of having a good team of interpreters readily available, along with transport providers and security.

Organizing such meetings involves a lot of preparation and a lot of people working hands-on out of normal office hours. As the Ambassador openly admitted “being a Protocol Officer means your private life is no longer in your hands”. Passion and conviction are crucial in order to be successful in a job that demands a maximum of personal commitment.

PUBLIC LECTURE by H.E. Prof. Dr. Norbert Lammert, President of the German Parliament

“The role of parliaments in the current financial and debt crisis within the European Union”.

The PROTOCOL of the

GERMAN FOREIGN OFFICE

A personal experience of a world in itself full of daily challenges - Presentation by the Ambassador of the German Federal Republic to Malta, H.E. Dr. Hubert Leo Joachim Ziegler

At the invitation of the Honourable Speaker of the House of

Representatives, Dr. Michael Frendo, MEDAC Master of Diplomacy students had the privilege of attending a public lecture by H.E. Prof. Dr. Norbert Lammert, President of the German Parliament (Bundestag) during his visit to Malta on the 17th of April 2012 at the Palace, Valletta. The event was chaired by Dr. Monika Wohlfeld, Holder of the German Chair in Peace and Conflict Prevention and Lecturer in Security Studies at MEDAC.

In the presence of a number of distinguished guests, including the Honourable Speaker, members of the Diplomatic Corps, President Emeritus Dr. Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, former Speakers, Members of Parliament, members of the Office of the Ombudsman, and a number of

academics, Prof. Lammert investigated the role of Parliaments against the backdrop of the financial and debt crisis that the European Union is currently facing.

Prof. Lammert, speaking in his capacity as the President of the German Parliament but also as an academic, argued that the financial and economic crisis in Europe increased the need for enhancing and consolidating the role of national Parliaments. Making reference to the German Parliament, Prof. Lammert explained how steps have been taken in strengthening the role of the German Parliament vis-a-vis decisions dealing with EU economic policies. Acknowledging that every society has its own political system which determines the extent of power given to Parliaments in relation to Government, Prof. Lammert

argued that nevertheless the presence of strong Parliaments in the decision making process should be encouraged in all EU Member States, especially in view of globalisation.

Above: President of the German Parliament H.E. Prof. Dr. Norbert Lammert.


Annual STUDY VISIT to

GENEVA and BERNE10th – 15th April, 2012

Below: Students in front of the World Trade Organisation premises. Bottom right: MEDAC students in front of the United Nations Building in Geneva. Below left: Briefing at the Swiss Mission to the United Nations.Bottom: Students at the Swiss Development Agnecy, Berne.

This year’s annual study visit to Geneva and Berne took place between 10th and

15th of April 2012. As in previous years, the study visit began with a briefing at MEDAC’s long-standing partner institution in Geneva, the Graduate Institute for International and Development Studies (HEID). This was followed by visits to the various international organizations located in Geneva, such as the UN Headquarters, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). In addition, MEDAC students had the opportunity to visit the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), as well as two of the so-called Geneva Centers: The Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) and the Geneva Centre for Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF). This part of the study visit also included a discussion with MEDAC alumnus Anton Fric from Slovakia, who shared his experiences with multilateral diplomacy during his posting in Geneva. Finally, MEDAC students were welcomed by the Swiss mission to the UN, where they were briefed about the role and daily work of the mission.

The last day of the study trip took the students to Berne, where they paid a visit to the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. MEDAC students were welcomed by SDC’s Assistant Director-General Mr. Kurt Kunz, who provided an overview of the

main activities and challenges of Swiss development policy. MEDAC students from Egypt, Palestine and Tunisia then gave briefings to officials of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs who are working on Mediterranean issues on the transformations which are currently taking place in their countries. The study trip was rounded off with a visit to the Swiss Parliament in Berne, where MEDAC students gained insight into the workings

of Swiss domestic politics. The study visit was organized within the framework of the Swiss Chair at MEDAC.


The MEDAC Alumni Association, presided by Ms. Sue Gili, held its

annual Ambassadorial Lecture on the 10th of May 2012. The lecture was given by H.E. Dr. Felipe De La Morena Casado, Spanish Ambassador to Malta, who spoke about the ‘Economic Situation in Spain’.

Following an overview of Spanish developments over the past thirty-five years, the Ambassador highlighted two key elements during this era; the first related to the actual consolidation of democracy in Spain which occurred in 1975, followed by the unanimous decision to join the European Union almost a decade later. At the time, the Spanish economy was flourishing, driven by an expansion in the construction industry and the process of internationalisation by Spanish companies, which saw 60% of business conducted abroad. These increases in growth led to a transformation within Spanish society, attracting more and more immigrants. This trend continues to date, as figures in 2010 show that almost 12% of the total population is foreign.

The Ambassador acknowledged that although Spain had a growing economy, it was tainted by a number of imbalances, mainly related to the rigidity in the labour market, high inflation rates and high unemployment. Such imbalances are partly to blame for the current economic crises experienced by Spain, which forms part of a wider euro crisis. Predictions for 2012 show that growth for this year will be at -1.7%. Upon reaching a compromise with the EU, Spain should close the year with a public deficit not exceeding 5.3%, from the 8.5% deficit rates for 2011.

This calls for strict austerity measures coupled with policies which favour economic growth, restore market confidence and credibility. The new government which took office on the 10th of December has adopted important budgetary rules in this regard. The Spanish government has modified an article within the Spanish constitution as a means of being in line with the European Fiscal Pact. The government also initiated a number of major reforms, mostly linked to the labour market such as reducing costs for the dismissing of workers, to reforms in the banking system and to a revision in the budget which included cuts of almost 30 billion euro.

The Ambassador recognized that reforms are never easy and people in the street do not always understand the reasons behind austerity and fiscal consolidation. Nevertheless, a sense of responsibility has prevailed within Spanish society, especially since polls show that the government still enjoys an absolute majority.

The MEDAC Association, which works towards retaining contact with all MEDAC Alumni urges all Alumni to access the MEDAC page on facebook or the MEDAC Alumni Association page: www.um.edu.mt/medac/medacalumniassocation

MEDAC ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONAnnual Ambassadorial Lecture by the Ambassador of theKingdom of Spain H.E. Dr. Felipe De La Morena Casado

10th May, 2012

Below: MEDAC students with H.E. Dr. Felipe De La Morena Casado. Top right: Sue Gili, H.E. Dr. Felipe De La Morena Casado, Spanish Ambassador to Malta and Dr. Omar Grech.Bottom right: MEDAC students with Prof. Stephen Calleya and H.E. Dr. Felipe De La Morena Casado.

The MEDAC Alumni Association

The MEDAC Alumni Association was set up in 2006 and has brought together over 600 graduates from over 50 different countries worldwide. The Association was set up with the aim of maintaining a network of past, present and future students.

On the 10th of May 2012, the Alumni Association held its annual

Ambassadorial lecture which was very well attended by past and present students of MEDAC as well as other distinguished guests. This lecture was delivered by H.E. Dr. Felipe De La Morena Casado, Spanish Ambassador to Malta, who spoke about the ‘Economic Situation in Spain’. This very interesting lecture took the participants through the different stages of the Spanish economy starting from the consolidation of democracy in Spain in 1975, to present date.

As President of the MEDAC Alumni Association I would like to encourage all MEDAC students to continue to form part of the ever growing Network we like to call the MEDAC family. Alumni may find us on facebook in order to keep informed about the initiatives taken by this Association and also as a means of keeping in contact with each other.

Sue Gili - MEDAC Alumni President


Master of Diplomacy Academic Year 2012 – 2013

Azerbaijan Mr. Ramiz Salayev

China Mr. Xingyu Zhu

Egypt Mr. Al Hassan Soliman

Egypt Ms. Eman Samy Fathallah Yakout

Egypt Ms. Jouman Nigmeldeen

Georgia Ms. Ekaterine Megrelishvili

Jordan Mr. Odai Al Qaralleh

Macedonia Ms. Katerina Kosturanova

Malta Ms. Maria Sarah Gatt

Palestine Mr. Ameed Amer

Palestine Ms. Razan Al Ftawi

Tanzania Ms. Maulidah B. Hassan

Tunisia Ms. Hasna Tizaoui

Tunisia Ms. Soumaya Bourhil

Tunisia Mr. Hammadi Louati

Uganda Mr. Tayebwa Philip Katureebe

Ukraine Ms. Nataliya Marikutsa

Diploma in Diplomatic Studies Academic Year 2012 – 2013

Year 1

Malta Mr. Hypatia Catania

Malta Mr. Joseph Bugeja

Malta Mr. Antonio-Mario Vella

Malta Ms. Antoinette Catania

Malta Mr. Norbert EdgarMuscat Preca

Master of Arts in Diplomatic Studies Academic Year 2012 – 2013

Bulgaria Mr. Tsvetalin Radev

BulgariaMr. Georgi Dimchev

Yanchev

England Ms. Lucy Mary Paterson

Germany Ms. Hedda Riedel

Lithuania Ms. Karolina Vaitonyte

Malta Ms. Audrey Abela Shandler

Malta Mr. Darren Chetcuti

Malta Mr. Matteo Privitelli

Malta Ms. Justine Micallef

Malta Ms. Nicole Marie Scerri

Malta Ms. Abigail Grech

Malta Ms. Lynn Marie Spiteri

Malta Ms. Janelle Camilleri

Malta Ms. Annabelle Muscat

Malta Mr. Andrew Vassallo

Malta Mr. Andrew Aquilina

Malta Ms. Liliana Borg

Malta Ms. Analise Calleja

Malta Ms. Francesca D’Amato

Malta Ms. Roberta Gatt

Malta Mr. Eman Hayman

Malta Mr. Jean Paul Gatt

Malta Ms. Stephanie Portelli

Malta Ms. Marie Claire Vella

Slovakia Ms. Monika Jungova

Turkey/Malta Ms. Seren Ozcan

Dual Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution and

Mediterranean Security GMUAcademic Year 2012 – 2013

Canada Mr. Vladimir Kirushev

Egypt Mr. Ahmed Dakrory

Germany Mr. Philipp Mack

Italy Mr. Luca Lacitignola

Malta Ms. Marcelle Bugre

Malta Ms. Nadya Papagiorcopulo

Malta Mr. Gordon Formosa

Spain Ms. Patricia Gutierrez Sierra

Switzerland Ms. Alexandra Schaerrer

USA Mr. Daniel Bales

USA Ms. Emily Burd

USA Ms. Anastasia Franjie

USA Mr. Musarrat Kazepis

USA Ms. Shadi Moayedi

USA Ms. Paola Moore

USA Ms. Katy Miller

USA Ms. Rosa Perez

USA Ms. Michelle Tisch

USA Mr. Nicholas Van Woert

Professor Stephen Calleya and Dr. Omar Grech recently delivered lectures at

the Vienna Diplomatic Academy (DA) in the context of the cooperation between the DA and MEDAC initiated a few years ago.

In their lectures at the Diplomatic Academy, Professor Calleya and Dr. Grech focused on Euro-Mediterranean regional dynamics and the EU’s response to the Arab Spring in the field of human rights.

The lectures were attended by over 60 students following the different academic programmes offered by the DA which is the oldest diplomatic training institute in the world.

MEDAC Academics at the

VIENNA DIPLOMATIC ACADEMYOctober, 2012

Right: The Vienna Diplomatic Academy

WELCOMEto the 2012 – 2013 MEDAC Students


CALENDAR16/03/2012

‘Democratic Transitions: Perspectives and Case Studies’ Seminar.

29/03/2012

Lecture by Tunisian Ambassador H.E. Ms. Souad Gueblaoui on ‘Democracy in the post-revolutionary Tunisia’.

16/04/2012

Lecture by Mr. Joseph Woods on ‘Polateralism’.

17/04/2012

Lecture by Prof. Lammert, President of the German Bundestag.

23/04/2012

Visit to MEDAC by German Ambassador H.E. Dr. Hubert Leo Joachim Ziegler.

25/04/2012

MEDAC book launch: “Changes and Opportunities in the Emerging Mediterranean.”

26/05/2012

Visit by French Ambassador to MEDAC – H. E. Mr. Michel Vandepoorter.

07/05/2012

Lecture by Prof. Mary Durfee on ‘US Elections’.

10/05/2012

Lecture by Prof. Tony Jones on ‘Prospects for Political Change in the Mediterranean’.

10/05/2012

Alumni annual lecture by Spanish Ambassador H.E. Dr. Felipe De La Morena Casado.

11 – 14 /05 /2012

EuroMed Seminar.

08/06/2012

MEDAC students’ Annual Dinner.

04 – 12/07/2012

MEDAC Summer School – ‘Human Rights Protest and Change’.


Mohamed Bialy Alolaimy

MEDAC Alumnusfrom Egypt 2011 – 2012

Twenty-first century diplomacy requires the adoption of a scientific approach, based on the concepts

of preventive diplomacy, early warning, proactive management of crises, technical specialization and institutional decision-making. Such a scientific and academic preparation is an indispensable part of my diplomatic career. At MEDAC I was able to build a solid foundation gradually expanding through practice and testing different choices. Moreover, I was privileged to interact with colleagues from different backgrounds.

ALUMNI NEWS

Walid Chakroun

MEDAC Alumnus from Tunisia2011 –2012

However eloquent I might be, words are unable to describe my feelings when I speak about

my stay in Malta. The wonderful days that I have spent there are vividly etched in my mind. I fell in love with this beautiful country since the moment I arrived and treasure memories of its fascinating landscapes, the smiling faces of

I am grateful for having spent a wonderful year at MEDAC where I was able to receive my Master degree in Diplomacy. My stay at MEDAC was a truly memorable experience as it coincides with the aftermath of the January Revolution in Egypt and the so-called Arab Spring. This inspired me to conduct research for my thesis on Egyptian foreign policy following the January Revolution. Studying, researching and interacting with students and professors at MEDAC provided me with a conducive context within which I was able to further my studies.

Academically, the Master of Diplomacy was a great opportunity to deepen my study of international law and international relations as well as attending comprehensive courses on international history, economics, protocol and bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. Furthermore, it has been important to

its hospitable people and its lovely weather… Sometimes, I think I forgot my heart in Malta.

Pursuing my post-graduate studies at MEDAC at the University of Malta has been a dream. Indeed this prestigious University was the right place to deepen my knowledge in Diplomacy, International Law, International Relations, International Economics, Diplomacy...I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the outstanding teachers and professors at this Academy who were all masters in their fields. Their experience, encouragement and the wealth of advice provided me with valuable insight.

In addition I established long-lasting

friendships. For nine months, we enjoyed ourselves, we learnt many skills, and more importantly we learnt to work as a team. Working in a team made us more creative and productive whenever we have been assigned with preparing oral presentations, analyzing data or drafting papers. My experience in Malta has been unique. I will never forget the numerous moments I have shared with friends from several countries and with different cultures. It was an excellent stepping stone for my diplomatic career. I arrived in Malta brimming with curiosity and a desire to learn. I left with a lifetime of experiences and strong human bonds.

For all these unforgettable moments, thank you MEDAC, thank you Malta.

learn of the interdependent nature of relations between Egypt and Europe which from a classic axis of Egyptian foreign policy.

I have studied the latest theories and applications in contemporary world politics, benefited from a broad spectrum of specialized professors, interacted with a large community of international students, and visited three European countries with different political and cultural perspectives.

MEDAC is not just an academic institution but it is rather a great family, extending throughout the world and inducing the affinity among the MEDAC alumni at home and abroad. I am proud of being a MEDAC graduate and I have the honour to exert my efforts to promote this prestigious leading academic institution.

MEDAC PAGE CAN BE ACCESSED ON:www.facebook.com/groups/19374582384

MEDAC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PAGE CAN BE ACCESSED ON:www.um.edu.mt/medac/medacalumniassociation


MEDAC Students Annual Dinner

ALUMNI NEWS

Iman Salum Njalikai

MEDAC Alumnus from Tanzania2010 –2011

It is of course utterly impossible for not to acknowledge the historical

moment of the Arab Spring while pursuing my studies at the Academy.

My own knowledge in diplomacy

especially around the MENA region was limited before I got the opportunity to join MEDAC. However, the privilege of having access to the wide range of publications at the MEDAC library enabled me to broaden my knowledge. I also appreciated immensely the opportunity to academically interact with three former Maltese foreign ministers and several visiting professors from the region and beyond.

Thanks to the MEDAC experience, I have been able to make sense of the MENA region, the EU context and the wider world.

I treasure my time at MEDAC in particular the opportunity to focus on the disciplines of international relations, economics, law, diplomacy and international history. All this had an enriching impact on my diplomatic career.

In conclusion, I highly recommend studying at MEDAC to all those who aspire to a career in diplomacy.

INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL NIGHT

Organized by MEDAC Alumni Committee,

MEDAC Class 2012/2013 and MEDAC Alumni

DateTuesday 27th November 2012

Time 19.30hrs

VenueSundown Court, Il-Kappara.

For reservations contact: Mr. Simon Bajada

Tel. (00356) 2340 2821 or Email: [email protected]


12th October, 2012 Visit of H.E. Ambassador BERNARDINO REGAZZONI to MEDAC

On October 12th 2012 H.E. Bernardino Regazzoni, Ambassador of

Switzerland to Malta, visited MEDAC and delivered a key note address to students. In his presentation Ambassador Regazzoni gave an overview of the objectives and principles of Swiss Foreign Policy, and also discussed some current developments in the context of the recent Arab Spring. He began by underlining the globalised nature of Switzerland, as evidenced in particular in the large percentage (22%) of foreigners living in the country, as well as the export dependency of the Swiss economy. Ambassador Regazzoni then focused on the main objectives of Swiss Foreign Policy as they are set out in the Swiss Constitution. These include: (1) the independence, prosperity and security of the country; (2) respect for human rights and democracy; (3) peaceful co-existence of nations; (4) the fight against human misery and poverty, and (5) the protection of the environment. As for principles, Swiss Foreign Policy has traditionally been guided by three main principles, namely the rule of law, universality and neutrality. The principle of the rule of law means that Switzerland wishes to see international relations governed by legal principles, as opposed to force, and that disputes be settled in a peaceful manner. Universality means that Switzerland seeks to maintain good relations with all countries. Finally, neutrality has traditionally meant that Switzerland must not take part in international conflicts. Today, however, neutrality does not prevent Switzerland from offering contributions to peace, for example by facilitating contacts between parties to conflicts, or by fully implementing UN sanctions regimes.

Turning to Switzerland’s Foreign Policy in the context of the recent Arab Spring, Ambassador Regazzoni highlighted Switzerland’s support for Arab countries’ transition towards greater political and economic freedoms. Immediately after the first Arab uprisings, in March 2011, the Swiss Government decided to increase and better focus its support to Arab countries’ efforts to achieve democracy, economic development, and cooperation in the field of migration. Apart from material support, however, there is also a need to engage in a constant dialogue of civilizations between the shores of the Mediterranean. Switzerland has implemented a number of measures to this effect, such as the freezing of the financial assets of former heads of state, ministers, high-level civil servants, and the provision

of humanitarian aid for example in the context of the Libyan crisis.

In conclusion, Ambassador Regazzoni emphasised that the Mediterranean region is currently witnessing a deep transformation. However, there is no absolute guarantee that these transformations will be successful in all countries of the region. MEDAC (as an academic institution) is an excellent promoter of dialogue in the Mediterranean, and can thus make an important contribution in this fragile but crucial process which is far from being complete.

Top: Ambassador Regazzoni addressing MEDAC students.Centre from left: Ambassador Alfred Zarb, Dr. Derek Lutterbeck, Dr. Joe Borg, Ambassador Bernardino Regazzoni and Prof. Stephen Calleya.Bottom from left: Mr. Tiziano Balmelli and H.E. Ambassador Bernardino Regazzoni.

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